Outdated Article Circulating; Check for Dates on Articles Before Sharing Further

The Offices of Guam Homeland Security and Civil Defense (GHS/OCD) is aware of an outdated news article circulating on chat groups and social media. The article, originally from 2015, states there is a “tropical storm warning issued for Guam,” which is inaccurate at this time.

The circulating article and image is outdated and is not a reflection of the current conditions. The community is reminded to check for dates on images or articles circulating and verify information before sharing further.

The National Weather Service (NWS) Guam Weather Forecast Office continues to monitor a tropical disturbance, Invest 98W, which is expected to slowly develop over the next few days as it approaches the Marianas. It is expected to move through the south of Guam, though this is subject to change as the circulation develops.

This disturbance is expected to bring increased showers and thunderstorms to the Marianas, especially Guam and Rota, over the weekend, with wet conditions likely Saturday into Sunday morning. Current rainfall estimates are for 2 to 4 inches of rain falling between Saturday and late Sunday night. Locally heavy showers could lead to urban and small stream flooding. Flash flooding is also possible Saturday into Sunday.

Those living in flood-prone areas should take action now; clear drainage areas and unblock storm drains to minimize flooding.

The Offices of Guam Homeland Security and Civil Defense (GHS/OCD) remind the community to stay up to date with the latest information and be prepared to take action, if warranted.

Visit the following links for the latest advisory information:

NWS Website: https://www.weather.gov/gum/
NWS Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NWSGuam/
GHS/OCD Website: https://ghs.guam.gov/
GHS/OCD Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GHSOCD/

For more information, contact GHS/OCD Public Information Officer Jenna G. Blas at (671) 489-2540 or via email at jenna.g.blas@ghs.guam.gov.

X Flooding is a temporary overflowing of water onto land that is normally dry. Flooding may happen with only a few inches of water, or it may cover a house to the rooftop. There are many possible causes of floods including heavy rain, coastal storms and storm surge, waterway overflow from being blocked with debris, or overflow of levees, dams, or waste water systems. Flooding can occur slowly over many days or happen very quickly with little or no warning, called flash floods.

To learn more, visit https://www.ready.gov/floods

Wildfire

Regularly clean the roof and gutters.
Maintain an area approximately 30’ away from you home that is free of anything that will burn, such as wood piles, dried leaves, newspapers and other brush.
Connect garden hoses long enough to reach any area of the home and fill garbage cans, tubs, or other large containers with water.
Review your homeowner's insurance policy and also prepare/update a list of your home's contents.

Fire Weather

Turn on your TV/radio. You’ll get the latest weather updates and emergency instructions.
Know where to go. If you are ordered to evacuate, know the route to take and have plan of where you will go. Check-in with your friends and family.
Keep your car fueled, in good condition, and stocked with emergency supplies and a change of clothes.

Drought

Conserve water

Take shorter showers.

Turn off the water while brushing your teeth or shaving.
Run the washer less frequently and only when you have a full load.
Water your lawn less frequently and do so when the temperature is cooler in the early morning or late evening.
When you run the tap to heat or cool water, keep a pitcher to store the water and use it to water plants.
Avoid washing your car.

Practice fire prevention

Don't set off fireworks when conditions are dry.
Deposit cigarette butts in the proper receptacle to avoid starting a
Pour water over camp fires and backyard fire pits to ensure they are completely out before leaving them unattended.

Follow directions from local officials. If there are restrictions on water usage, be sure to heed them.

To learn more, visit https://www.ready.gov/wildfires and https://www.ready.gov/drought

X
Typhoons/Hurricanes are massive storm systems that form over the water and move toward land. Threats from typhoons/hurricanes include high winds, heavy rainfall, storm surge, coastal and inland flooding, and rip currents.

“Hurricanes” form in the Atlantic Northeast Pacific region and “Typhoons” form in the Northwest Pacific Region. These large storms are call cyclones in other parts of the world.

To learn more, visit https://www.ready.gov/hurricanes.